Junior Scientist II – Phage Molecular Biologist

at  Culmen International LLC

Overview:
Established in 2004, Culmen International is committed to enhancing international security, strengthening homeland defense, optimizing government operations and providing humanitarian assistance around the world. We provide technical and management expertise, develop innovative technology solutions, and deliver youth care services, logistics, training and language services worldwide. With experience in over 140 countries, Culmen supports our clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments.
Culmen International is hiring a Junior Scientist II - Phage Molecular Biologist.
Roles & Responsibilities:

Phage Therapeutics Research:

• Design and Perform Research: Conduct research on phage-based therapies for microbial pathogens relevant to military contexts.
• Phage Cocktails: Develop and recommend phage cocktails specifically targeting ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli).
• Technical Expertise: Provide expertise in bacteriophage biology, genetics, and the isolation, identification, and manipulation of bacteriophages.
• Assays and Data Analysis: Perform assays, including genetic analysis (PCR assays), plasmid profiles, biochemical and immunodiagnostic tests, and mass spectrometry. Organize and tabulate results, preparing data summaries.

Novel Methods and Mitigation:

• Investigate novel methods for utilizing bacteriophages to mitigate infection.
• Maintain the department’s phage inventory and microbial pathogen strain repository.

Administrative Tasks:

• Grant Proposals: Draft grant proposals related to phage therapeutics for submission and approval.
• Research Protocols: Create research protocols for scientific review and conduct approved research.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and complete records in accordance with contract requirements.

Reporting and Dissemination:
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Reports and Presentations: Submit reports and data summaries as requested. Prepare research results for presentation and publication in scientific literature.

• Safety Compliance: Comply with occupational health and safety standards.

Professional Engagement:

• Attend and actively participate in seminars, scientific conferences, and meetings.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or MS in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or other related scientific fields.
• Experience required in at least one of the following areas: microbial genetics and pathogenesis, cloning and purification methods.
• US Citizenship

Top Tier Benefits Package:

• Exceptional Medical/Dental/Vision coverage with 100% of the premiums paid by the company for all employees and their eligible dependents
• 401k – Vested immediately and 4% match
• Life insurance and disability paid by the company
• AFLAC Available
• Tuition Assistance
• 12 Paid Holidays

At Culmen International we are committed to creating, promoting, and sustaining a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment to these values is unwavering across all our work around the world. We include and celebrate employees of diverse races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, ethnicities, nationalities, socioeconomic statuses, languages, (dis)abilities, ages, and religious commitments. These differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our employees and clients. Culmen is an equal opportunity employer.

• Grant Proposals: Draft grant proposals related to phage therapeutics for submission and approval.
• Research Protocols: Create research protocols for scientific review and conduct approved research.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and complete records in accordance with contract requirements